Ricketts Declines Debate With Hassebrook Again

Chuck Hassebrook once again reached out to his opponent in the gubernatorial race to schedule a debate in Omaha, marking the third such attempt over the course of the election. Hassebrook proposed to keep the debate date and rules originally proposed to both campaigns by the League of Women Voters over the summer.

Over the weekend, Ricketts again declined to debate, stating that there was no time in his campaign’s calendar.

“Pete’s found plenty of time to cut ribbons on campaign offices recently, but he won’t make time to debate the issues that affect every day Nebraskans. It’s unfortunate for voters that Pete will not make this a priority,” said Hassebrook Communications Director Meg Mandy.

“Pete will spew platitudes about cutting taxes, but he conveniently neglects to tell folks that he supported a tax plan would give tax breaks to corporations and the ultra-wealthy, while raising taxes for hard working families who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Hassebrook. “Voters deserve to hear about a candidate’s plans for Nebraska, straight from the horse’s mouth.”

“Omaha voters have told us they would like a debate here. The message to Pete is clear: Don’t Duck Chuck,” said Mandy.

The first debate between Hassebrook and Ricketts was held on September 1 at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island. The second is scheduled for this Thursday, October 2^nd, at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on NET stations across the state. Ricketts has declined any future debates.

Hassebrook remains committed to holding a debate in Omaha – Nebraska’s largest city and metro area — that will be open to the public and press. The debate is scheduled for Thursday, October 23 at 11:30 a.m. at the Omaha Press Club.

“Let me repeat: there will be a debate in Omaha. Pete or no Pete,” said Mandy.

Chuck Hassebrook